Ronald Louis "Ron" Hayworth

Psalm 23:6 "surely goodness & mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Ronald Louis "Ron" Hayworth 5/4/1946 entered eternity 10/13/2024.

Ron would have been the first to say he ran his race with feet of clay, carried by the grace of God, alongside his best friend and wife of 45 years, Susan. God used Ron's vulnerability, humor, and giftings to be a friend, mentor, and Spiritual shepherd to so many. Not only in the Rogue Valley but across the world from Ireland, Ukraine, and India. Over the years he visited those countries to teach about Jesus, speak at Church conferences, and encourage Christians. Ron also came alongside a group of Vietnam veterans through regular meetings to create space to hear their stories and try to bring God's light, hope, and healing to their wounds. Ron and his sister, Leslie, were raised by loving parents in Lancaster, California. His passion for music gave him opportunities to be in bands as a young adult. He sang and played guitar in churches throughout his adult life. He also composed music & submitted them to Capitol Records. After a few valuable years of real-life experience working for Northrup, Edison, plumbing, and Parks & Recreation, he realized his desire to go into full-time ministry. Ron began singing and teaching God's word at prisons. To further his education, he moved to Orange County and went to Bible School. He began working with Calvary Chapel Tent Ministries and home groups until 1979. Ron moved to Grants Pass where he took a position as a youth pastor at First Christian Church. Ron & Susan married shortly after. Their home quickly became a place to mentor and minister to others. After a year, he began working with a Christian group gathering in a former veterinary clinic in Grants Pass known as "The Barn". Eventually Ron's flock moved to a location at 7th & K St, where it became known as Calvary Church. Outgrowing that location, the church bought land on Midway & Redwood Hwy. A sanctuary was built as well an outdoor amphitheater was developed for services. Since 1979, Ron and Susan served the community, raised their family, married their children, and dedicated their grandchildren in Grants Pass. Ron retired from his position as senior pastor in 2013, but continued to actively serve all whom God brought along his path. The mysterious pain he suffered in his back for several years was finally diagnosed 6 months ago as a blood cancer which was affecting his bones called Multiple Myeloma. After months of treatment, the cancer continued to worsen. He fought a good fight with his family's care and finished the race on Sunday October 13, 2024. Ron will be greatly missed by so many, including his wife, Susan; their daughter, Elissa & husband, Mark Johnson, and their children, Micah & Sonya; son Michael & wife, Katelyn, and their daughter, Madelyn; son, Jonathan & wife, Sarah, and their daughter, Ava; his sister, Leslie & husband, David McCarthy; mother in law, Patricia Halopoff; sister in law Karen & husband, Fred Stace. Ron was thankful for his in-laws and extended family who always supported him in love. 

Currently a memorial service is not planned.

 In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to: Grants Pass Gospel Rescue Mission, Joe's Place in Grants Pass, Samaritan's Purse, or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

 II Corinthians 5:17

Please share a memory of Ron in his Guestbook.